Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Air fryer pork tenderloin is tender, juicy, and seared to perfection. Made with minimal ingredients, this easy flavorful recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare before air frying.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
One of the best ways to cook pork tenderloin is in the air fryer. The results showcase a beautifully seared crust and tender, juicy meat with minimal work.
This easy air fryer pork tenderloin recipe contains plenty of flavor from garlic, rosemary, and smoked paprika. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare before leaving the air fryer to do the rest.
Pork is an incredibly versatile meat, and I love that there are so many different ways to prepare, season, and enjoy it. Some of my other favorite pork recipes include this tangy BBQ crockpot pulled pork, and this simple but flavorful skillet pork tenderloin.
Why you will love this recipe
- Air frying is quick and mess-free
- Tender and juicy pork
- Made with minimal ingredients
- Leftovers are easy to reheat
How to make perfect Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Season the meat. Combine melted butter, minced garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush evenly over the tenderloin, then let the meat rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Place pork inside of preheated air fryer. Depending on the size of the air fryer, it may be helpful to work in batches.
Cook for 14 to 16 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking, and cook until the pork has reached a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Remove and let rest before slicing. Allowing the pork to sit for about 5 minutes after being removed from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and moist slices.
Enjoy this delicious air fryer pork tenderloin on its own or with some delicious sides!
Pro Tips
- Preheating is key. This step is essential and should not be skipped! Preheating before placing pork tenderloin in air fryer will help create a sear on the outside of the meat, as well as seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.
- A meat thermometer is helpful for checking the temperature. Since pork cooks quickly and can easily be overcooked, a meat thermometer guarantees accurate results in seconds.
How to Reheat Pork Tenderloin
There are a few different methods that can be followed to reheat leftover pork tenderloin. When reheating, it’s important to do it carefully so that the tenderloin does not dry out.
- Oven: Pork can be reheated in an oven-safe dish in a low-temperature oven (around 250 degrees F). Covering the dish with foil and adding a little bit of broth or gravy to the bottom will help keep the pork moist.
- Stovetop: Slicing the pork into small pieces will make it easy to reheat in a skillet over low heat. A little bit of oil or butter will help prevent sticking as well as help retain moisture.
- Microwave: This is the quickest way to reheat pork tenderloin. The pork should be placed on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel, and heated in short bursts. Checking it frequently is encouraged to prevent overcooking and drying it out.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Pork Tenderloin: I typically use two pieces that are around 12 oz each.
Butter: Melted butter will help the seasoning stick to the pork tenderloin in air fryer. Unsalted butter works best for this recipe because it contains salt as an ingredient.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds plenty of flavor to this recipe. Use garlic powder if desired, about â…› teaspoon for every fresh clove.
Smoked Paprika: I love the bold flavor of smoked paprika. I use regular paprika as an alternative, but smoked is my personal favorite for the extra heat and smokiness.
Dried Rosemary: This is a classic herb that tastes delicious with pork. Thyme and sage are good alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer
What goes well with pork tenderloin?
Mashed or roasted potatoes are two of my favorite sides to serve with air fryer pork tenderloin. A variety of vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts are always welcome, and risotto with mushrooms is an easy way to elevate the dish!
How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin in air fryer?
The exact amount of time that it takes to cook pork tenderloin will depend on how thick the meat is.
I suggest checking for doneness after 14-16 minutes, but it may take up to 18-20 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Can I freeze air fried pork tenderloin?
Yes! Pork tenderloin will store in the fridge for three to four days if stored properly in a sealed bag or airtight container. After that, it can freeze for up to three months.
To preserve maximum freshness, I recommend wrapping pork tenderloin tightly in aluminum foil, or placing it in an airtight container before freezing.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Air fryer pork tenderloin is tender, juicy, and seared to perfection. This easy flavorful recipe is made with minimal ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to prepare before air frying.
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 260kcal
Ingredients
- 24 oz pork tenderloin 2 tenderloins
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic cloves minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dry rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, rosemary, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Then, brush both pieces of meat with the prepared mixture and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400F. Then, arrange pork tenderloin inside. Depending on the size of your Air Fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping it halfway through or until an instant meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 145ºF.
- Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender final product.
- Slice and serve with mashed or roasted potatoes on the side.
Notes
Tips
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- Pork can overcook pretty quickly, so I suggest checking doneness at 14 minutes and then adjusting the cooking time accordingly. I’ve tested this recipe twice, and when cooking two at a time, you may need up to 18-20 minutes to reach the internal temperature of 145F. You may also prefer it juicier, so with an internal temp of 135F, you’ll be go-to-go as it’ll rise up to the safe standard of 145F within a couple of seconds.
- Preheating the air fryer before cooking the pork tenderloin is essential. This helps create a sear on the outside of the meat, sealing in the juices and enhancing the flavor.
- Store leftovers in a sealed bag or airtight container. Properly stored, cooked pork tenderloin can typically be refrigerated for up to three to four days.
- If you don’t plan on consuming the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them. Wrap the cooled pork tenderloin tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover pork tenderloin, there are a few methods to reheat it:
- Microwave: If you’re looking for a quick option, you can use the microwave to reheat the pork tenderloin. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 716mg | Potassium: 703mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 673IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
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